In a closely contested 5-4 decision on Thursday, the Supreme Court rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s final attempt to delay his sentencing in the New York hush-money case, clearing the way for sentencing just days before he returns to the presidency.
The court’s decision allows Judge Juan M. Merchan to sentence Trump on Friday after his conviction for felony crimes related to what prosecutors described as an effort to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
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The payment was allegedly made to silence claims of an affair, which Trump denies, along with any wrongdoing.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s three liberal justices in denying Trump’s emergency motion. The majority found that sentencing would not impose an undue burden during the presidential transition, particularly since Merchan has signaled he will not impose jail time, fines, or probation on the president-elect.
Trump’s attorneys had argued that the sentencing should be delayed until his appeal of the conviction is resolved. However, the majority concluded that his arguments could be addressed through the normal appeals process.
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Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, favoring a delay.
Trump commented on Truth Social following the ruling, saying he appreciated the time the Supreme Court took to attempt to “remedy the great injustice done.”
“I appreciate the time and effort of the United States Supreme Court in trying to remedy the great injustice done to me by the highly conflicted “Acting Justice,” who should not have been allowed to try this case. Every Legal Scholar stated, unequivocally, that this is a case that should never have been brought,” Trump said. “There was no case against me. In other words, I am innocent of all of the Judge’s made up, fake charges. This was nothing other than Weaponization of our Justice System against a Political Opponent. It’s called Lawfare, and nothing like this has ever happened in the United States of America, and it should never be allowed to happen again. To this day, this highly political and corrupt Judge has put a gag order on me, which takes away my First Amendment right to speak about very important aspects of the case. For the sake and sanctity of the Presidency, I will be appealing this case, and am confident that JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL. The pathetic, dying remnants of the Witch Hunts against me will not distract us as we unite and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Meanwhile, Trump is set to be sentenced on Friday in a high-profile hearing that will draw significant national and international attention as he prepares to take the oath of office once again.
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